an easy to read and nicely written book but i can't see myself remembering the book for very long since it was just missing the special uniqueness that i need in books really love them. Still all in all a good easy read for in between something heavier!

Cicada Summer by Maureen Leurck, is a warm fun filled emotional summery read. It spoke of a woman, Alex Proctor, who has not fully moved on post her divorce, who renovates houses for a living, and who finds herself taking up the project of renovating a 100-year old house.
The story follows her venture into a first date, her connection with the elderly neighbour and her pride in her work.
I loved Alex's character. I connected with her immediately. To collect the broken pieces after a failed relationship is so difficult and I loved the way the author Maureen has written Alex and she grows with every page of this story.
This story of moving on and second chances touched my heart and I thank the author Maureen for that. She gave me hope about finding myself, picking up the broken parts of my life and finding the courage to move on...

I'm a fan of HGTV shows so I was excited to read this book about Alex who restores old homes. It was a fun, easy book to read in the moment. There are parallels between fixing the house and Alex;s personal life so it's not only a book about home restoration, but about a woman's life. However, I don't think it's a book that will stick with me; it was a bit predictable and the ending was unrealistic. That being said, I still enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed it while I read it

Lovely last days of summer read. Light romance, home renovation projects, ex-husband, nothing complicated. Very enjoyable and uncomplicated. Grab a pitcher of ice tea or lemonade and go sit outside and read this story!

Alex is determined to save an old house. It is 100 years old and has beautiful potential. She takes on more than she can chew. Through a series of unfortunate events she may be overextended on budget and the property may have to be sold and torn down for a new complex.


There are several stories within this novel. Not only does the house have mysteries, Alex meets her neighbor next door and discovers Elsie has secrets of her own. Also, Alex’s love life situation is not the best. She still has very strong feelings for her ex-husband. She tries to overcome this by dating some one young and handsome. She just can’t shake her ex.


Oh my goodness! This book hit the spot!!! Old houses, old husbands, mistakes are made…what more could you ask for! I love Alex. She is funny, a hard worker and really a good girl. I also love the setting of Geneva Lake. Perfect for romance and old secrets. This is a super good palate cleanser and an all around lovely book!! Plus I have a little COVER LOVE!❤️❤️

I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.

Four stars: A delightful summer read all about second chances.

Alex has been peering in the windows of the dilapidated house on Maple Street for weeks, eagerly planning her restoration. When it is time to bid for the property, she finds herself in a bidding war against a man who wants to tear it down. Alex wins the property but at a much higher price than she planned. Quickly she tears into the restoration, hoping to flip the house and make some money. Unfortunately, the house is one disaster after another. While working on the house, Alex meets Elsie, the neighbor across the street. Elsie knew the family who lived in the house, and she hopes to see it restored. Elsie and Alex quickly become friends, and soon Elsie asks Alex to help her reconcile her past. As Alex works to restore the house and to help Elsie, she reexamines her past. Is it too late for second chances?
What I Liked:
*The Cicada Summer is a nice, uplifting read all about second chances. I loved the themes, the story, the house restoration and the cicadas. This is a perfect read for summer.
The story is centered around the restoration of the run down and abandoned house on Maple Street. *The house is nearly a hundred years old, and on its last leg. Many want to tear it down, but Alex believes that houses have a soul, and she is determined to save it. I loved learning about all that goes into a restoration. It was fascinating to read about the restoration process.
*I loved the theme of second chances. Several of the characters as well as the old house get a second chance in this one. I enjoyed seeing the characters dare to take another chance at life and love. Whether it be Elsie wanting to reconcile her past or Alex reevaluating her decisions, it was wonderful to see them get another chance.
*The cicadas were another interesting part of the story. The cicadas also fit into the second chance theme. Every seventeen years they hatch and take over the lake community. I am usually squeamish when it comes to anything that is grasshopper like, but surprisingly, I was intrigued by the cicadas. I liked their inclusion in the story.
*The romance was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting it to turn out the way it did, but then when it happened, I was thrilled to see it go in that direction. The romance fits into the second chance theme, and I loved it.
*The ending is sweet and satisfying. Everything settles out and ends in a positive way. No loose ends.
And The Not So Much:
After all the buildup, I felt like the ending was rushed. I wanted more of Elsie’s story, especially when it came to Corinne. What was Corinne’s life like? I wish that more of her had been included. I also wish that there had been a tiny bit more of the romance.
*Usually when reading a book, I grow to like a character more and more, but that wasn’t the case with this one. In fact, as the book went on, I found myself liking Alex a bit less. Mostly I disliked her when I found out about her divorce. I thought she behaved rash and childlike. A lot of her behavior was immature. I didn’t hate her, but I didn’t like her ridiculous behavior. Thankfully, she grew and changed. Perhaps it would have been better to disclose her past up front so the reader can grow to like her more and more.

Cicada Summer was a lovely summer read all about second chances. I loved the themes and the house restoration in this one. It was light and easy, perfect for a summer read. My only hesitation is that I didn’t like that the more I read about Alex and her past decisions the less I liked her. If you want a nice book for a summer day, this is one to try.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

I was looking for a sweet summer vacation read, and Cicada Summer fit the bill quite nicely. The premise of renovation resonated with me, and the story quite kept the promise. Though I found the novel/romance a bit predictable, it was nevertheless and enjoyable read. The settings are beautifully detailed, the characters interesting and engaging, the pacing fairly even, and the resolution satisfying. I would read more from Maureen Leurck, as I appreciated her writing style.

This novel follows a young, recently divorced, mother who flips houses for a living. I am obsessed with HGTV so of course I was hooked based on that alone. Alex sees a beautiful old house near the lake and wants to return it to its former glory. The theme of the story is definitely second chances. The characters have to take risks, forgive, face the past, brave the future, and trust that most things can be fixed. I really loved this touching novel, and felt the characters were really relatable. The plot moved quickly along without needing the recent trends of mystery, intrigue, or crime.

I love historical houses and so I was drawn to this story. I felt the house part of the story needed some more detail, but overall it was a good book.

A story of second chances and renewal. I was in the mood for a nice light summery read and this book delivered. A great little comfort read, it would have been nice to enjoy it on the beach. I did manage to predict most of it, but I didn't pick this up looking for a story that would stun me. It's a sweet and easy to digest read perfect for a summer day. There's quite a bit of detail about restoring an old house that seems accurate and well-researched. Some readers might be a little bored by that, but HGTV is my jam so it was fine with me! It's a moving and sweet story with just enough romance. Unrealistic romance will send me running to the hills, but my feet stayed firmly planted.

Alex is trying to make a name for herself restoring houses. Her newest purchase is her biggest undertaking yet: she goes above her budget buying it to save it from being completely modernized or bulldozed. The house is over a hundred years old and a complete wreck. Restoring it will take long days, a decent amount of help, and a whole lot of money. More money than she initially thought, in fact. Everything that can go wrong seems to. The risk she took buying it starts to look less and less like it's going to pay off.

She's up to her eyeballs in renovation, but it's not the only thing she has on her plate. She shares custody of her five year old daughter Abby with her ex-husband. He lives in a sleek new house complete with pool, hot tub, and perky younger girlfriend. He's seemingly moved on, but she's having difficulty. When her best friend fixes her up, she reluctantly goes on a first date where she's surprised to feel a spark. Alex has also been bonding with an older lady named Elsie who lives next door to her work in progress, who has enlisted her in a project of her own. She also has stories about how the house once was, which makes Alex even more determined to restore it to its former glory.

They're all waiting for the cicadas to appear... strange little bugs that appear every seventeen years. It's got them all thinking about the last summer they swarmed, and wondering where they'll be seventeen years from now when they appear again. The cicadas are said to symbolize rebirth and renewal... and this could be the summer to change everything.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Kensington Books, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

"Their presence encourages us to reflect on life and how the world has changed since they were last here, as they symbolize a starting over and new beginnings." -Cicada Summer

The above quote explains the meaning behind the title of Cicada Summer, written by Maureen Leurck. The cicadas come out every seventeen years, and when they do, it is considered to be a time of rebirth and renewal. The author beautifully weaves this concept into the story line, giving the reader a wonderful story that will stay with them long after they finish the book.

Alex Proctor is divorced and lives with her five-year-old daughter, Abby, in the beautiful town of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Alex finds old homes to restore to their original beauty, and her current project is located at 4723 Maple Street. To anyone walking past this old house, all they would see is a crumbling, broken down house on its last legs, so to speak. However, Alex sees beyond the crumbling house...she sees the possibilities of bringing it back to life...back to its original beauty. In order to do that, she relies heavily on her trusted friend and contractor, Eddie. Alex knew this one would be more challenging than her previous houses that she restored, but she has a vision of what she wants and is determined to see it through. Of course, this is easier said than done. Along the way, she will experience many unexpected complications, and she will be tested in ways she couldn't have imagined, but she never loses her focus or her dream. While working on the house, she often reflects on her own life and where it went wrong. She is still hopelessly in love with her ex-husband, Matt, and has no idea on how to let go. She begins to realize the things that drove her crazy while they were married were things that should have been insignificant. She still misses Matt beyond belief, but unlike Alex, Matt has moved on with his life. Seeing him when she brings Abby to his house always makes her think about what they had and lost. Restoring the house on Maple Street is one thing...but restoring her personal life isn't as easy.

What first attracted me to this book was the fact that it takes place in my home state of Wisconsin. I've been to Lake Geneva as a kid, and was instantly drawn to this book. This is the first book that I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be my last. Maureen Leurck brilliantly weaves together the story and meaning of the cicadas with Alex's life and the restoration of the house. Alex is a character I instantly liked, and I especially admired her hard working nature and constant determination. I loved the next door neighbor, Elise, and was intrigued by her story and history. Elise is also a main part of the story, and the author does an amazing job incorporating her story to fit in perfectly with the overall theme. The friendship that develops between Alex and Elise is heartwarming...and I loved that Elise had a history with someone that once lived in the house Alex is restoring. The author definitely did her research, and it comes through in vivid detail throughout the story. This is a story about so many things...family, friendship, life, and love. More importantly, it is about second chances...second chances not only for the house on Maple Street, but second chances for the characters in the book. I honestly can't stress enough just how good this book truly is! It draws you in, and keeps you there throughout the story. The characters are so well developed, and the overall story is truly a joy to read! I highly recommend reading this book!

I was given an advance copy by Kensington Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

I enjoyed this story of renewal and growth in Alex's life and the historic home she is renovating in Geneva Lake, Wisconsin. Divorced for 5 years, Alex and her young daughter are still in close contact with ex husband Matt and when he helps her obtain historic status for her current renovation Alex starts to examine her feelings about getting back together. Cicada summer follows the 17 year cycle of the insects that hibernate and folks highlight events in their lives with the cicada cycle. A good story of hope and 2nd chances. A glimpse into life of vacation area Wisconsin and the urge to tear down the old and replace with new and modern. A problem throughout the US between keeping older homes and tearing them down.

A fabulous story of "rebirth and renewal" as symbolized by the cicada Cicada Summer is the story of Alex Proctor as her present day project of renovating an old home bring back bittersweet memories of her past. What could have been, what was, and what will be all going through her mind as she meets road block after road block on the project.

This is one of the most enjoyable chick lit books I've read this year and it's one I will be recommending to everyone I know

One of my favorite reads of summer 2017, CICADA SUMMER brings my home state of Wisconsin to life in this vibrant and beautiful story. Alex is an incredibly strong female character and her fixer-upper passion is an absolute joy to read about as you cheer her along on her quest to bring a historic home back to its former glory in Lake Geneva, WI.

CICADA SUMMER has home renovation details to drool over, as well as family, romance and second chances.....this is a must-read!

Although predictable, the story is great for a beach or summer read. The setting is Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where single mom Alex restores old houses to sell. Still conflicted over her feelings for her ex, Matt, Alex has a hard time moving on with her life. Well written, a story of hope and second chances. Recommended.

The house renovation was interesting. The love life plot predictable. If you love a happy ever after this is a good one to read.

Alex Proctor, 34, divorced, mother of 5 yr old Abby is a rehab contractor tackling the restoration of her first historic home in the Lake Geneva region. Alex is still struggling to come to terms with her snap decision to divorce Matt five years ago. An elderly neighbour's quest to find a child put up for adoption brings Alex something else to focus on.

Alex's right hand Eddie and her nemesis Jack Sullivan are great characters that provide interactions with Alex.

An easy book to read but I think that there is too much description about renovating the house which most readers are not interested in I found that I was skipping these pages as they were holding back the story and dud not help with the development of the story line.
The characters themselvex were well developed but there are parts of the story that are difficult to belive in such as searching for adopted children, and asking someone you did not know to help was a far cry for everyday events.

Cicada Summer is a very well written book about second chances. The book has a good plot and believable characters.

I learned a lot while reading this book - restoration of an older home is hard, the work is hard, the problems can seem to be insurmountable. However, if one perseveres, one ends up with a fantastic house, and money in the bank. I really enjoyed the book, admired Alex for sticking with it. A very fun read, and truthfully I was exhausted. It was truly a teaching lesson for me - hire it done, is going to be my motto, but I sure admire people that do this kind of work....and enjoy it!

Cicada Summer is a nice book about second chances with characters that you feel you already know. Alex spends her days (and money) buying and renovating homes. At the beginning of the book, she purchases a historic home which she hopes to restore to its former glory. She has a lot of regrets over her divorce, and still has not quite gotten over her ex-husband, and certainly does not like the time her daughter spends away from her with her father.

She meets her new "neighbor" Elsie, and the two develop a friendship and bond as Elsie tells Alex stories of the family that lived there in her youth, and stories of the house when it was well-cared for and loved. As Elsie works to give the house another life, she works on being able to move forward with her life and possibly give herself a second chance at love. She also helps Elsie trying to connect with someone from her past.

The book ended exactly as I thought and hoped it would - there is something very nice about things wrapping up neatly, and I like the fact that someone gets a little (realistic) happily ever after.